John Boitnotthttp://jboitnott.com
Journalist | Digital ConsultantFri, 09 Dec 2016 01:21:20 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=4.6.1http://jboitnott.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/cropped-boitnott-hi-res-32x32.jpgJohn Boitnotthttp://jboitnott.com
3232What to do when your boss is firedhttp://jboitnott.com/2016/12/what-to-do-when-your-boss-is-fired/
http://jboitnott.com/2016/12/what-to-do-when-your-boss-is-fired/#respondFri, 09 Dec 2016 01:21:20 +0000http://jboitnott.com/?p=4432At some point in every career, a professional will see someone escorted from the building with a box full of belongings....

]]>At some point in every career, a professional will see someone escorted from the building with a box full of belongings. It may be a coworker or a stranger from another department, but whoever it is, it can be difficult to watch. It serves as a reminder that anyone can be fired unexpectedly.

What happens if that fired person is your immediate supervisor? Chances are, it adds a layer of stress and uncertainty. Without your boss in place, you may suddenly feel as though you lack the support system you had before. Your boss’s termination doesn’t necessarily mean your own job is in jeopardy. However, there are a few things you can do to bolster your own career in the wake of your boss’s exit. Here are a few things you can do after your boss is fired.

Don’t make it all about you

Is your first concern how this will affect you? Don’t feel guilty if so. It’s human nature to be concerned about your own job stability, even while you’re watching your boss leave the building. It’s important to keep those feelings to yourself for a while, showing compassion for the person who has just been sent to the unemployment line. It’s a difficult line to walk, since you don’t want to show resentment toward the bosses who made the decision to terminate. Instead, focus on how you can help out in this new environment, where a position now sits unfilled.

Make your role known

If upper management has a firm grasp on things, you’ll likely be pulled aside in the ensuing days for a discussion. This will be an attempt to learn what your role is on the team and to reassure you that your work will continue as normal. If this doesn’t happen, approach someone in management to ask for such a meeting. Take this as an opportunity to highlight the work you do each day and offer to help ease the transition, especially if you can take on some of your former boss’s workload.

Be positive

In the uncertainty that follows, you’ll likely see morale drop slightly, especially if your boss was terminated unfairly. Avoid being sucked into these discussions at all costs, and instead demonstrate a positive outlook. Even if you think nobody will notice your venting session at an off-site lunch, don’t take the risk of word getting back to your superiors. Instead, remain professional and polite and try to be part of the solution, rather than adding to the problem.

Don’t make demands

While things are in upheaval, try to avoid making waves, even if you feel as though you’ve gone far too long without a raise. There will be time in the future to ask for a bump in pay or even a promotion. During the transition, it’s important to focus on standing out as a hard-working, committed member of the team. By assisting with everything and stepping up to take on more responsibilities, you’ll put yourself in a better position to make requests once things have settled down.

Maintain focus

An upheaval in the workplace can be distracting, especially if you fear for your own job. Instead of panicking, make a conscious effort to appear calm at all times. Allowing your work output to suffer may put your job in danger when it was otherwise safe. If your boss’s firing was as a result of a change in overall leadership, such as a corporate buyout or new management, pay attention to whether the new leaders seem inclined to work with the new employees. If they’re making an effort to get to know everyone and put new managers in place to handle them, your job is likely safe.

Do something extra

In addition to your usual day-to-day activities, look for small opportunities to impress upper management. Organize an office cleaning spree or bring in new items for the break room. This could be a great way to make a positive impression, especially if certain areas of your office have been long neglected. A crowded storage room may have been bothering the CEO for months and your cleanup efforts can make a big difference.

Have you recently lost your boss unexpectedly? If so, avoid panicking and take things one day at a time. After a few rocky weeks, you’ll likely find that your initial concerns were unfounded. Your boss’s departure could actually lead to better opportunities for you, since you’ll be noticed by upper management. If you take the chance to show that you can be counted on, you’ll have a better shot at a bright future with your company.

]]>http://jboitnott.com/2016/12/what-to-do-when-your-boss-is-fired/feed/0How a Silent Retreat Could Be the Getaway You Need to Rechargehttp://jboitnott.com/2016/12/how-a-silent-retreat-could-be-the-getaway-you-need-to-recharge/
http://jboitnott.com/2016/12/how-a-silent-retreat-could-be-the-getaway-you-need-to-recharge/#respondTue, 06 Dec 2016 03:41:52 +0000http://jboitnott.com/?p=4428If you work for a living, your life is most likely filled with noise. From the time your alarm goes off...

]]>If you work for a living, your life is most likely filled with noise. From the time your alarm goes off in the morning to the time you go to bed at night, there’s very little silence. Yet too much noise has been linkedto dangerous health conditions like high blood pressure and heart disease. Persistent background noises like cars, ringing phones and chatty coworkers not only disrupt a professional’s productivity, but they can lead to undue stress over time.

Silence is too rare these days. The go-to solution seems to be to cover the ears with a pair of headphones and shut it out with more noise. Not even white noise can provide the restorative value of an extended period of pure silence. But with getting away from noise so difficult, professionals have to deliberately seek out silent time at some point every day.

1. The power of meditation

Some professionals find that moment of silence in meditation. Whether through a yoga class or a dedicated period of sitting still and breathing, these workers have realized the improved emotional well-being that can come from calming their minds. Once they learn the basic principles, they can even take moments throughout the day to meditate, whether in their offices or in a quiet space somewhere in the building.

But when a professional works as part of a team, it can be frustrating to see stress impacting all of the other team members who aren’t yet aware of the power of silence. In recent years, businesses have begun shifting to a different kind of retreat in place of their normal team-building getaways. A silent retreat can do far more than teach team members to better work together. They can serve as a respite for the mind, with everyone returning to the office ready to work.

2. Silent retreats

Several years ago, vacationers began turning to silent retreats as a way to truly get away from their chaotic lives. With spiritual centers and spas around the world promising days of quiet relaxation and meditation to their guests, travelers can easily find a nearby location for their own personal retreats.

However, businesses have only recently begun trying out silent retreats for their staff members. This article lists ten silent retreat centers in the U.S., along with the amenities they include. Your employer could choose a location that offers meditation classes to help participants learn how to relax and quiet their minds. You can take these lessons back to the office and learn to better cope with daily stressors.

3. Workshops and sessions

A silent retreat doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing proposition. You may find that simply incorporating a period of meditation into any team-building get-together could be just enough to improve your morale and reduce stress levels. Ask your boss to invite meditation specialists to help you and other employees find that restful silence they need each day. While many of your fellow employees will likely choose not to use these principles later on, there will be some who learn from it and benefit from it.

If your employer is looking for a retreat at a remote location, ask them to consider one that allows separate space for meetings when your team wants to get together and work. Some silent retreat options, like Green Gulch in San Francisco, include a conference and retreat center that holds up to 30 people and features scenic views. If you go to a silent retreat center with a conference center option, your company will be able to schedule each day to include both time for silent reflection and productive brainstorming and motivational sessions.

One of the best ways to deal with the everyday stresses is through simple silence. By finding quiet time, you can also quiet your mind, which will help you refresh and return to work feeling ready to tackle new challenges. With a silent retreat, your employer can teach their teams how to utilize quiet time to improve their own well-being.

]]>http://jboitnott.com/2016/12/how-a-silent-retreat-could-be-the-getaway-you-need-to-recharge/feed/011 things every new employee’s cubicle needs on day onehttp://jboitnott.com/2016/12/11-things-every-new-employees-cubicle-needs-on-day-one/
http://jboitnott.com/2016/12/11-things-every-new-employees-cubicle-needs-on-day-one/#respondFri, 02 Dec 2016 03:33:39 +0000http://jboitnott.com/?p=4426Businesses work hard to recruit and vet applicants for a job opening, often spending hours and significant money finding the right...

]]>Businesses work hard to recruit and vet applicants for a job opening, often spending hours and significant money finding the right employee. After you’ve put all that work in, you’re usually well aware of the importance of keeping good employees on board once you’ve found them. This starts from the first day your new hire enters the office, which is your opportunity to show new employees they made the right decision.

In the days leading up to your new employee’s first day, it’s important to create a comfortable working space, equipped with all of the items necessary to do a great job. A fully-stocked, clean office will set the perfect tone for a new worker. Here are a few things every cubicle needs to have on a worker’s first day.

Equipment

With technology serving as the backbone of day-to-day business interactions, every employee needs the basic equipment necessary to do their job. This includes:

• Computer — Traditionally, each employee would be assigned a desktop computer, monitor, mouse, and keyboard. However, today’s mobile workforce has led the transition to laptops and mobile devices. Make sure your new employee has the necessary devices in place, including a way to conveniently dock and connect laptops if they’re being issued in lieu of a desktop computer.

• Telephone — Some professionals may be solely issued a smartphone. However, a desk handset provides the opportunity to include features like video-conferencing and chat. In addition to stocking the employee’s office with a phone, make sure you provide the best peripherals to go with it.

• Access Card — Are your work areas secured by keycards? If so, it’s important to make sure this card is ready and waiting on the employee’s first day. If an employee has to knock and wait to be let in with every bathroom break, the job will get off to a rough start.

Basic office supplies

Not everything is electronic. There are a few basic office supplies that should be provided to every cubicle, including:

• Wastebasket — Every office should come with a wastebasket that’s emptied on a regular basis. If you can spring for a recycle bin for your shared spaces, your environmentally – conscious employees will appreciate it.

• Pens and legal pads — Are you one of the many businesses striving to be paperless? Even so, it’s still easiest for workers to grab a pen and pad to rush off to a meeting.

• Staplers, tape, and scissors — Even if you think your employee won’t have a use for these supplies, every office should have one of each. Businesses still struggle with being completely paperless, and not having these items on hand will present an inconvenience.

Tech tools

Even if you have all of the equipment in place, without the proper software and logins, it won’t help your new hires. Here are a few tools your new worker will need:

• Network login — This should be set up as soon as possible after the employee’s arrival. If you have paperwork that needs to be signed before issuing a user ID, have it ready before the employee shows up for work.

• Software access — The employee’s email should be set up as soon as possible, preferably with a welcome email waiting. If there are special software or network drives, those should be granted as soon as possible Try to ensure training is available for any business-specific software.

Office resources

New employees generally need guidance, especially on the first day. Whether it’s electronic or paper-based, provide documentation for new employees that includes the following:

• Policies and procedures—If you have an official policies and procedures manual, either provide this in the employee’s orientation or email it. This should include your dress code, your stance on workplace harassment, and other information every employee should have.

• Office map — On a person’s first day, one of the biggest challenges is finding important areas like break areas and restrooms. If possible, create a floor map that includes those important areas, as well as the location of pertinent employees’ cubicles, if possible.

• Employee directory — In addition to locating team member offices, new workers also need a way to easily reach them by phone. Include a staff phone directory and, if applicable, also include the business-issued mobile phone numbers of that employee’s supervisor and closest team members.

The first day for any employee can be terrifying. When that worker arrives to find a fully-stocked cubicle, it can make that first day much better. In addition to the right supplies, make sure multiple employees stop by to issue a warm welcome and you’re likely to set the perfect tone. What items do you provide new employees?

]]>http://jboitnott.com/2016/12/11-things-every-new-employees-cubicle-needs-on-day-one/feed/0Why the First Call From a Customer Is the Most Importanthttp://jboitnott.com/2016/12/why-the-first-call-from-a-customer-is-the-most-important/
http://jboitnott.com/2016/12/why-the-first-call-from-a-customer-is-the-most-important/#respondThu, 01 Dec 2016 08:00:08 +0000http://jboitnott.com/?p=4424If repeat business is your goal, good customer service is essential. According to a recent survey, one bad customer service call...

]]>If repeat business is your goal, good customer service is essential. According to a recent survey, one bad customer service call will send most customers away permanently. Since repeat customers bring in more money than new customers on average, it’s important that businesses find ways to nurture their existing buyers and this includes the customer service phone call.

The survey, conducted by the PH Media Group, asked 2,234 Americans their opinions on customer service handling. It revealed just how important that first phone call can be. Fifty-nine percent of those participating said that if the first call to a company’s customer service line isn’t handled properly, they will never buy from that business. This demonstrates the importance of making sure every caller receives top-quality service. Without monitoring call center performance, businesses may be losing customers without even realizing it.

The survey found older customers are the least tolerant of poor handling by a business’s customer representatives. It makes sense that older customers might place greater importance on live calls since they've experienced those since before there was an Internet. Older customers tend to use online customer service platforms less often than younger customers.

According to the survey, of those in the 55 to 64 age group, an unsatisfactory phone experience would lead 63 percent to never buy from a brand again. For businesses whose demographics skew to Baby Boomers, this finding may mean you should be investing more in customer service.

Customers between the ages of 18 and 24 reported more tolerance for a negative call handling experience but 54 percent of respondents said they wouldn’t buy from a business again. Since this age group is forming relationships with brands for the first time in their adult lives, positive customer service experiences is crucial.

Regional differences factored into the survey, as well. The least tolerant customers lived in the West and Northeast regions of the U.S., with Southerners being the most tolerant. However, the rates ranged from 61 percent in the West and Northeast to 59 percent in the South, so more than half of respondents in each region said they wouldn’t return to a business after an unsatisfactory phone call to customer service.

Effective call handling.

The marketing group that managed the research believes that the phone has become an important lead conversion tool, with customer service representatives having the prime opportunity to create lasting customers through the service they provide. Failure to provide that level of service seriously damages a business’s profitability long term.

Mark Williamson, sales and marketing director at PH Media Group, says every aspect of the phone-based customer service experience should be studied.

"This means scrutinizing the way calls are answered, the phone manner of customer service advisors and the sounds heard while on hold, including voice and music," he says.

Businesses should also examine how calls are escalated, as well as how everything feels from the customer’s end.

Improving service.

Once a business has viewed the call handling experience from the customer’s perspective, it’s time to take action. Often what customers respond to best is an empathetic listener who truly wants to resolve an issue. When a customer is upset or even hostile, representatives need to know how to handle the situation.

Audio branding is another way for a business to protect its reputation while improving the customer experience. With audio branding, customers have an auditory experience that further enhances brand image, from the messages they hear while on hold to the style of the customer service representative’s assistance.

When customers call a business to complain or ask questions, it’s important that the experience convince them to buy from that company in the future. This means businesses must invest in finding and training capable customer service representatives and give them the tools they need.

]]>http://jboitnott.com/2016/12/why-the-first-call-from-a-customer-is-the-most-important/feed/0This One Technique Should Be Your Social Media Foundationhttp://jboitnott.com/2016/11/this-one-technique-should-be-your-social-media-foundation/
http://jboitnott.com/2016/11/this-one-technique-should-be-your-social-media-foundation/#respondTue, 29 Nov 2016 08:00:10 +0000http://jboitnott.com/?p=4422Insightful, personal stories are the most effective path to get people caring about your brand. As the Internet has become firmly...

]]>Insightful, personal stories are the most effective path to get people caring about your brand.

As the Internet has become firmly ingrained in our lives, there's never been a better chance to develop or grow a global business. However, the world wide web has created a more discerning customer who is not content to be simply a number. This rapid development of technology has meant that in order to flourish, businesses need to distinguish themselves from the competition and this can be accomplished by getting a little personal.

Social Media and Story Sharing

While social media offers an effective platform for showcasing your products and services, it is also the perfect place to create a little customer rapport. Many businesses use Twitter, YouTube, Facebook and others to market their products and services to potential customers. However, the savviest business owners add a personal touch to their timelines by sharing unique stories. That in turn causes people to share those stories more.

In this modern world, people want to connect. We see this every day with movie stars and television personalities offering us a snapshot (or a Snapchat) into their world. Does this make us more inclined to pay to watch their latest movie or tune into their TV show? Experts say yes. The same principles can be applied to businesses. When customers are looking for a company, they are more likely to connect with one that appears to be genuinely interested in building a customer relationship rather than just fulfilling a single order.

The businesses that are the most effective on social media use various platforms to let customers see inside their business. This type of snapshot is a popular way to show the passion you have for your industry as well as allow customers to meet your team, at least in a cyber sense. Putting a face to a name will allow customers to feel that they are dealing with a human being rather than a nameless call center operator.

Stories to Share

The prospect of sharing personal stories is often a little daunting for business owners new to social media. Fortunately, there are some basic principles to follow. For example, you will want to keep your stories and content professional. By all means, inject some fun and enthusiasm into your content, but customers don't need to hear about your wild night on the town.

You should already be aware of your clients' likes and dislikes, so tailoring your content to show your genuine interest can be a priceless marketing approach. If you're in the consumer food industry, a proper example of this could be featuring pictures on Instagram and Twitter of dishes you have made with ingredients you supply in your store.

If you get a little creative and personalize your content, you are sure to appeal to existing and potential customers. Just remember the golden rule: If it would not be appropriate to say to a customer in person or on the phone, don't put it on your social media.

Learn About Your Customers

Truly successful businesses understand their customers and tailor their stories and marketing to suit them. This will always be a challenge, but with a little legwork, as well as the right tools, you can stay cognizant of how your customers feel and what content you should show them.

These days, competition is fierce, and the Internet has made it so that even local businesses are competing in a global market. Fortunately, this open marketplace means that even a small business can use cost-effective marketing strategies to build customer relationships and loyalty. Social media has made it easier than ever to connect with customers on a personal level. Fun and creative stories and experiences can generate customer loyalty and may even have your existing customers recommending you to their network of friends, subscribers and followers.

]]>http://jboitnott.com/2016/11/this-one-technique-should-be-your-social-media-foundation/feed/0The Google Tool That Helps You Make Better HR Decisionshttp://jboitnott.com/2016/11/the-google-tool-that-helps-you-make-better-hr-decisions/
http://jboitnott.com/2016/11/the-google-tool-that-helps-you-make-better-hr-decisions/#respondFri, 25 Nov 2016 03:12:04 +0000http://jboitnott.com/?p=4420Data has the power to strengthen everything businesses do, from the new products they launch to the marketing campaigns they use...

]]>Data has the power to strengthen everything businesses do, from the new products they launch to the marketing campaigns they use to promote those products. Gathering information and putting that information to use has become big business, creating jobs and cloud solutions. When a business is more informed before making decisions, that business can get more return from every dollar it spends.

In recent years, businesses have realized the value of people analyticsin making human resources decisions. Learning as much as possible about current staff performance improves the choices made about hiring, training and promotion. With technology powering much of what businesses do, gaining access to this data is easier than ever. However, small businesses can save money and time by learning from the lessons large businesses are sharing.

People analytics in big business.

Google is one of the highest-profile users of people analytics for human resources. The company bases many of its decisions on data analytics, believing that the choices it makes about employees are more important than any other decisions, impacting the organization at all levels. By labeling its human resources department “people operations,” the company is saying that HR is as integral as any other area of operations. With the right people in place, businesses can provide better customer service and increase productivity while also minimizing cost.

Engineering firm Stantec uses people analytics to predict outcomes, including employee turnover trends. By looking at areas of the company that seem to have an increased rate of employee resignations and terminations, Stantec can determine where changes might need to be made. Predictive analytics help the company to maintain adequate staffing across the entire organizations. This sort of analytics has been used in retail for years, as companies look at last year’s numbers to determine how many employees are needed on the floor this year.

Small business applications.

Although small businesses can get the same benefits as larger businesses from people analytics, they often lack the resources necessary to gather information on employee actions. While cloud-based solutions provide an answer to that, often businesses simply need access to general information about hiring the right employeesand getting the most out of them.

Google’s re:Work is likely to become a go-to resource for businesses in this situation. With re:Work, Google provides the results of the research it has done in the form of articles, case studies and tips from experts in various industries. Businesses can search re:Work for keywords or browse topics like hiring, managing or training. The platform is designed to demonstrate how organizations can help each other better cultivate and nurture top talent.

Analytics makes HR more effective

As businesses launch their own people analytics programs, Google is offering support in that area. The company offers guides specific to topics like running employee surveys and identifying and defining metrics. Following the guide step by step, businesses can learn how to set up their own people analytics and make the most out of them. The company also has a book on its insights, as well as a people analytics-based hashtag called #makeworkbetter.

By observing the way Google has changed its HR activities as a result of its analytics efforts, businesses can determine which behaviors work and which might be less effective. One major change Google made was in its interview process. After discovering that more than four interviewers didn’t increase the quality of hires, the company decreased the number of interviews required. The company also implemented an on-boarding process that it found increased productivity by 15 percent.

Businesses are using analytics to power every important decision they make. A business’s employees are its most important assets, so why not use analytics to make decisions about hiring and employee retention? By following the example of large companies like Google, businesses of all sizes can gather the information they need to improve their hiring, training and employee promotion efforts.

]]>http://jboitnott.com/2016/11/the-google-tool-that-helps-you-make-better-hr-decisions/feed/05 Marketing Strategies that Help You Get By Without SEOhttp://jboitnott.com/2016/11/5-marketing-strategies-that-help-you-get-by-without-seo/
http://jboitnott.com/2016/11/5-marketing-strategies-that-help-you-get-by-without-seo/#respondTue, 22 Nov 2016 02:49:56 +0000http://jboitnott.com/?p=4418Search is very helpful for your business but don't forget longstanding real-world strategies. These days, many business owners have become obsessed...

]]>Search is very helpful for your business but don't forget longstanding real-world strategies.

These days, many business owners have become obsessed with utilizing Search Engine Optimization (SEO) in their marketing campaigns. While SEO has a valued place in Internet marketing, it is possible to master local marketing without relying on it. In fact, when it comes to local marketing, SEO is simply not enough by itself to build your brand. While your competition may still be relying on it, you can push your marketing ahead of the curve with these proven non-SEO local marketing strategies.

Get Social

While a website can be an effective way to promote your business, many small business owners are, even in this day and age, reluctant to further expand their marketing into social media. However, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram are fantastic ways to showcase your products and services to potential local customers.

If you own and operate a small business, you may find yourself overwhelmed by the choices and effort required for social media marketing. Fortunately, it is possible to start small. Start with one platform and build out.

Speak to clients and ask them what kinds of information they would find helpful. Ask what social media platforms they use and would like to connect with. It is possible to successfully establish your social media presence with only an hour or two commitment per week and integrate it with your customer relationship management software.

Coupons

The use of coupons is one of the oldest marketing techniques around, but they can also deliver a great impact. A coupon will encourage customers to visit your store. Coupons are also flexible since they can be cut from a local newspaper, emailed or mailed to homes.

Using coupons is one of the most popular marketing tools among small business owners to encourage new and returning customers to buy. They are easy and relatively inexpensive to create while being simple to track to calculate your return on investment.

Introductory Offers

Everyone loves a freebie and if you are looking to generate new leads for your business, having a free introductory offer could be the perfect solution. Introductory offers are an almost guaranteed way to bring people in. A no strings attached free gift can be a tantalizing way to start a customer relationship. This type of offer tends to create customer loyalty, but only when it is directed at the right target audience.

Targeting those people who are simply out for a freebie will not be successful in the long term. You need to target those who are not only looking for a deal, but also have a need for your products or services. These local consumers could prove to be your most loyal customers.

A free offer gives new customers the opportunity to try out your products and services. This type of loss leader will lead to profits in the long term, providing you impress on first contact with the customer.

Special Events

Many brick and mortar business owners have benefited from the unique opportunity of local community special events. Customer appreciation days, competitions to win free products and even charity events can increase your foot traffic and build customer relationships.

These types of special events can offer the chance to establish personal connections with your potential customers. If you can engage with these new leads on a personal level, this will provide a competitive edge and could create lifelong relationships. Putting effort and enthusiasm into special events can provide a fantastic return on investment. After all, loyalty is a two-way street.

Rebranding

Most people consider rebranding to be something that large multinationals do with massive budgets. However, rebranding could be something simple such as updating your logo, website or slogan. Doing something new could be just the thing to pique the interest of potential or returning customers and encourage them to find out more.

While SEO marketing can be effective, it isn't the "end-all be-all" of your marketing strategy. It is important to remember that your business is a part of the local community. By investing a little time and creativity, you may find that the results outperform even the most aggressive SEO campaign.

]]>http://jboitnott.com/2016/11/5-marketing-strategies-that-help-you-get-by-without-seo/feed/07 ways you sabotage yourself in a performance review without realizing ithttp://jboitnott.com/2016/11/7-ways-you-sabotage-yourself-in-a-performance-review-without-realizing-it/
http://jboitnott.com/2016/11/7-ways-you-sabotage-yourself-in-a-performance-review-without-realizing-it/#respondFri, 18 Nov 2016 02:25:43 +0000http://jboitnott.com/?p=4416I don't think that I've met anyone who actually enjoys a performance review. I know that I never have been a...

I don't think that I've met anyone who actually enjoys a performance review. I know that I never have been a big fan.

Unfortunately, performance reviews are necessary to determine if your career is headed up or down.

You get to see how productive you've been, where you've best contributed to the business, and where you stack up against your colleagues.

You also must tackle the "opportunities for growth" area as well.

As nerve-racking as this evaluation may be, you may actually be making matters worse by unconsciously sabotaging your review. Watch out for these 7 signs you're making your own life harder:

1. Only focusing on the negative

Negativity is one of the worst employee habits out there. It's contagious. It's dangerous. Focus on the positive aspects of your job or how you can achieve long-term goals. Don't complain about everything that's wrong during your performance review.

"These all lead to the same end result: You become a headache for your manager," Amy Hoover, president of Talent Zoo, told Forbes. "Negative employees are often referred to as ‘cancer' by upper management for good reason: They will eventually be cut out."

2. Not asking the right questions

Do you think that walking into your review and asking "When am I getting a promotion?" is going to be an effective tactic? Instead of this offensive bluntness, ask specific questions about your performance and how you can become a more valuable team member.

Asking management what your strengths and weaknesses are, how you can make improvements, how well you collaborate, and requesting suggestions on how you can meet company goals illustrates that you're willing to grow as a person and employee. It shows you're not just someone looking for a raise without justification.

3. Getting too defensive

If you have an effective manager who uses facts to back-up claims, such as whether or not you've met a goal or how many days you called in sick, then there's no need to get defensive. If you missed an excessive amount of work, don't try to lie your way out of it. It was a mistake that you made, and now you have to own up to it.

Longtime Gogobot CEO Travis Katz has led hundreds of performance reviews in his time and has seen this form of sabotage. He says you've got to own your issues.

"You want to actually come in prepared saying, 'I know that there are some areas that I haven't been performing as well, and here are ideas where I think I could improve this going forward,'" he says.

"What I've seen is if people come in owning areas where they need to improve from the get-go and proactively laying out a path of how they'd like to get better, that's good," he says. "From a manager's perspective, it's sort of music to your ears, because it sounds like, OK, you don't have to have the uncomfortable aspects of it, and you can actually move into the productive part of it."

4. Not being prepared

This is your chance to prove how valuable of an asset you are and how you assist the organization. Take advantage of this short opportunity by highlighting your performance since your last evaluation. This will be easier if you have already documented all of your accomplishments and setbacks.

Prior to your review, study all of these documents and give yourself a self-evaluation where you identify the strengths and weaknesses that you've noticed so that you're not caught off guard. You can also roleplay the performance review with a friend, family member, or even the mirror so that you're more than prepared for any response.

This may sound like going overboard, but being overly prepared for your review can help you make it work out in your favor.

5. Leaving the review in the hands of your manager

Your manager conducts multiple performance reviews. Unless you're part of an extremely small and tight-knit team, there's a strong possibility that your manager is going to either forget or not be aware of all of your accomplishments.

This is why you should be able to outline why you're valuable to the company — you have to make the case for keeping your job or earning a raise.

The other reason that you can't leave the review solely in the hands of your manager is that he or she has to answer to higher-ups. If your department is being reviewed and your manager doesn't have documentation that you exceeded goals, are you sure he or she will defend you?

6. Discussing your salary

Most companies use performance reviews to serve two main purposes: as a coaching tool for employees and as a compensation tool that can determine whether you should get a raise.

It's generally accepted that both subjects are not discussed at the same time. If your review focuses on how much you need to improve overall, then it's not the time or place to discuss your salary.

The reason? At least outwardly, you should be more concerned about the assessment and the quality of your work. After all, that impacts your pay.

7. Not following up

If your manager asks you to become more familiar with coworkers or provide them with more frequent progress reports, then make sure you do it, and then keep the manager in the loop.

For example, you could send your supervisor a brief email every Friday morning highlighting your accomplishments for the week.

This doesn't mean that you have to inform your manager of every little thing you do at work. It's just a quick follow-up to demonstrate that you listened to his or her advice in the review and you are working on the suggestions.

When it's time for your performance review, make sure that you keep your emotions in check, take notes, ask specific questions, and leave with an action plan.

These simple actions can make you a better employee and prevent you from sabotaging yourself in your performance review.

]]>http://jboitnott.com/2016/11/7-ways-you-sabotage-yourself-in-a-performance-review-without-realizing-it/feed/03 Fatal Ecommerce Mistakes You Must Not Makehttp://jboitnott.com/2016/11/3-fatal-ecommerce-mistakes-you-must-not-make/
http://jboitnott.com/2016/11/3-fatal-ecommerce-mistakes-you-must-not-make/#respondTue, 15 Nov 2016 01:57:35 +0000http://jboitnott.com/?p=4413When you own or help run a company that sells products or services online, you'll need to do a lot to...

]]>When you own or help run a company that sells products or services online, you'll need to do a lot to help it grow. Marketing, customer service, and even speedy load times are all important.

With ecommerce businesses on track to generate over $490 billion in U.S. sales by 2018, now is a good time to establish a foothold in the arena. However, if you really want to grow your ecommerce business over the coming years, you must stay up-to-date on trends and statistics that will impact the industry. Here are some key online numbers that will help you plan.

Don't surprise customers with shipping fees.

According to the 2014 eCommerce Survey conducted by Visual Website Optimizer (VWO), 28 percent of shoppers will abandon their shopping cart if they are presented with unexpected shipping costs at checkout. If shipping costs were clearly specified, cart abandonment didn’t occur as much. Other top issues included confusing store navigation and security concerns.

The lesson here is to be upfront and explicit about your company’s shipping fees. It’s OK to charge for shipping, but you have to make it clear that you do before shoppers get very far down the sales funnel.

If you have a flat-rate charge, for instance, list it directly on your home page or each product page. Alternatively, if you calculate shipping for each individual order, then consider making a note about that fact in the shopping cart -- at the very first stage of the process, not the last. A clear and concise way to do this is to incorporate a "calculate shipping" feature directly within the cart that people can use early on in the checkout process to determine the additional cost.

Don't insist customers create an account.

The same VWO survey also identified another common cause of cart abandonment: having to create a new user account. In fact, 23 percent of consumers said they would abandon their shopping cart if they’re forced to become a member and must spend time inputting a bunch of additional personal information apart from their address and contact details.

It’s important to remember that many shoppers don’t want to spend more time than necessary completing their purchase, and are simply focused on getting their items, not on joining a club. To many buyers, being suddenly forced to become a member when they’re checking out creates hassles and leaves a bad impression.

To avoid losing almost a quarter of your potential customers because of membership signups, make sure that you have a guest checkout option in your website’s checkout design. It’s still fine to have a member checkout as an option for those people who are keen to sign up, but don’t force the decision on shoppers.

Don't underestimate the influence of online reviews.

The VWO survey found that a whopping 55 percent of shoppers said online reviews influence their purchase decisions. Indeed, seeing top reviews from satisfied previous customers makes other shoppers much more likely to get out their wallet for a product or service.

Online reviews are so powerful because customers know that they are typically genuine, not curated and hand-picked by a company. Think about how influential the reviews on Amazon can be for book sales, for instance.

To help your conversion rate soar, it pays to encourage shoppers to write reviews. I’ve seen companies offer a free additional product if the customer logs a review on Amazon. You should also consider asking customers to upload their thoughts about your product or customer service directly on your site or on third-party spots, such as social media pages.

Ultimately, it takes clarity, communication, and respect for the customer's time if you want to build a foundation for a successful e-commerce business.

]]>http://jboitnott.com/2016/11/3-fatal-ecommerce-mistakes-you-must-not-make/feed/08 Unique Job Perks That Might Be Better Than a Raisehttp://jboitnott.com/2016/11/4409/
http://jboitnott.com/2016/11/4409/#respondFri, 11 Nov 2016 01:22:52 +0000http://jboitnott.com/?p=4409Traditionally, when employers have sought to reward top performers, they’ve relied on money. Whether in the form of a raise or...

In fact, a recent survey of 200,000 people showed that salary is fairly low on the list of things employees need to feel appreciated.

One way to increase longevity and attract the best new workers is to offer attention-getting perks. Here are a few ideas that bosses can consider in lieu of a salary increase.

1. Electronics

In recent years, businesses have begun winning over potential candidates by offering the hottest gadgets on the market, including tablets and smartwatches. This type of perk can be especially attractive to employees in tech jobs.

Make sure your boss differentiates between products they’re issuing as work devices and gifts they’ve given you as a perk. If an employer offers you a tablet to lure you into a job or just to keep you happy, you should be able to keep the item permanently, although your boss may require you stay in the position for a minimum length of time.

2. Paid sabbaticals

Popular in academics, paid sabbaticals are rarely seen in the corporate world. However, these extended breaks from work have proven beneficial both to employees and their employers.

This is one way you can pursue a personal passion, such as traveling to an exotic location or studying a new subject, and return rejuvenated and ready to contribute again.

3. Debt repayment

Many students today leave college with a pile of loans they’ll have to spend years repaying. The Federal government recently announced it would help government employees repay their student loans and the trend caught on.

Companies such as PricewaterhouseCoopers and Natixis have announced they, too, are offering student loan repayment as an employee perk. Consider asking this of your employer as well.

4. Exclusive event invites

There are some things money can’t buy. If your employer can swing access to perks like backstage passes to concerts or great seats at sporting events, it will probably improve morale.

If you work in business development or sales for your company, use networking events and your local Chamber of Commerce to help your company make the kind of connections that will give you access to these perks.

5. On-site spa services

Busy professionals have no time to spend an hour at a local spa getting a massage. For that reason, businesses have begun bringing masseuses to the workplace, where they give shoulder massages on workers who are seated at their desks.

Several startups have even popped up offering this service. Make your interest in this perk known to your employer so they can check with local spas and get a group discount.

6. Convenient services

In addition to massages, businesses can bring convenience to employees by offering perks like dry cleaning pickup and parking lot car detailing. Even if employees pay the bill, employees will be grateful for the time they’ll save on extra after-work errands.

7. Food

One of the most mentioned perks at Google is its offering of free meals to employees. Free food doesn’t only help employees save money, it keeps them on site, where they can focus on the work that needs to get done. Smaller businesses can duplicate this by occasionally having lunch catered or offering snacks during staff meetings.

8. Pet-friendly workplaces

More businesses are realizing the benefits of allowing you to bring your pets into the office each day. Since you don’t have to rush home to your favorite furry friends, you may tend to stay in the office longer.

For this to work, however, it’s important for your boss to accommodate building policies and make sure any employee allergies are addressed.

Perks can be a great way to keep the office interesting and attract top talent. If those perks are unique, they’ll boost morale and make you excited to come into work each day.

If you’re looking to narrow a field of possible new employers, look for businesses that implement some of these perks and put their own original spin on them. That’s a sure sign of an employer that cares about your happiness, which is one of the best perks anyone could hope for.

John Boitnott is a journalist and digital consultant who has worked at TV, newspapers, radio and internet companies in the U.S. for 20 years. He's an advisor at Startup Grind and has written for NBC, Fast Company, Inc. magazine, Entrepreneur, USA Today, and VentureBeat, among others.